Superman: The War Years 1938-1945

Graphic Novel: “Superman: The War Years 1938-1945”
ISBN: 978-0-7858-3282-9
Editor: Roy Thomas
Hard Cover: Format is colored pages
Published in 2015
Price: $ 24.99 US
Page count: 304 pages
Publisher: Chartwell Books (A DC Comics publication)
Reviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets

I really enjoyed reading old World War II stories about Superman. Superman arrived on Earth from Krypton in 1938’s Action Comics # 1. He arrived just before WWII. Stories in graphic novel showed Superman’s origin. It also showed that Superman was not all powerful and could defeat other countries in war by himself. Graphic novel showed many covers old Superman comics some not related to stories shown in volume. Roy Thomas gave thoughts in several editorial segments through graphic novel. I saw character Luthor in one story. He had red hair. This was before was Lex Luthor. There were many other interesting things like before newspaper that Clark worked for was not Daily Planet. Paper was called The Daily Star. I got to see early history of competition of Clark Kent with Lois Lane for stories for newspaper. Clark always seemed to change into Superman costume quick enough to rescue Lois from some dangerous situation.

I also liked how graphic novel included some of the advertising pages from old issues. It was interesting to see ads like asking readers to send in coupon to get Superman in local newspapers.

I know that stories are not from this time period. I did like though how adapted things from old time like telegrams into natural events for that time current story. I also liked Jerry Siegel scripts and Joe Shuster art. They set foundation early to how Clark came to Earth and was adopted by Kent Father and Mother. Clark would be only child. I also liked how future stories showed how Clark developed his super powers. One story even told how he failed vision test for armed forces. That is why never served in WW II. Many stories involved Superman in some sort of war situation. He was quickly taken to by public. There was even a Superman radio program. Superman gained more powers since Action Comics # 1. He could fly. He had X-Ray vision. He had super hearing. I never saw him fly into space in graphic novel. I never saw any mention of green Krypton.

Superman fought U-Boats and other sorts of war related things like even missiles. He was shown raising money for war bonds and stamps. Roy Thomas explained how those sort of things helped war in editorial section.

Hitler was shown as were other war real life villains from Russia and Japan. It was what was happening during time of those older Superman stories. They were done though with imagination of writers and artists. I am sure Hitler never was taken over by a Squiffle in real life. It was some sort of gremlin like creature.

The book even contained some old newspaper colored strip stories from 1945.

Superman: The War Years 1938-1945 presented over 20 classic Full Length Superman Tales from DC Comics Vault.

There are also two other books in the series.

Batman: The War years 1939-1945

ISBN: 9780785832836

Wonder Woman: The War Years 1941-19445

ISBN 9780785832843




Allen Klingelhoets